Field Hockey Drops Opener To NEC, 5-1

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.&mdash;Jodie Dresser led a balanced scoring attack by New England College, as the Pilgrims defeated MIT 5-1 in non-conference field hockey action on Saturday. Ekavali Mishra provided the lone goal for the Engineers (0-1).

Dresser put NEC (1-0) on the board 12 minutes into the contest when she scored off a feed from Heather DiNapoli. DiNapoli added to the total 11 minutes later, scoring on a rebound in front of the net. Sarah Feugill extended the Pilgrims&rsquo; lead to 3-0 just three minutes later, converting a pass from Dresser. Ashley Simula would give the Pilgrims a 4-0 halftime advantage when she put home an unassisted goal in the 31st minute. NEC controlled much of the first half, outshooting MIT, 16-1.

Marissa Ayotte scored to make it 5-0 less than three minutes into the second half. MIT would finally get on the board in the 61st minute as Mishra put home a rebound off one of the Engineers&rsquo; 11 second-half shots. MIT had a chance to narrow the margin on a penalty stroke in the final minute, but was unable to convert.

Keri Dixon collected 12 saves for the Engineers in her debut in net, while Mary Roux stopped eight shots for NEC.

MIT will now set off on a six game road trip, starting Thursday, September 4 at Gordon College. The Engineers do not return home until Friday, September 19. NEC hosts Manhattanville College in their home opener on Wednesday, September 3.